Tributes For The Late Councillor Peter Craig

THE flag is currently flying at half mast at Down District Council's headquarters following the death of SDLP Councillor Peter Craig who passed away on the early hours on Sunday 1 January 2012.

Leading the many tributes, Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Dermot Curran said: "I am deeply saddened at losing Councillor Craig as my party colleague and will miss his wisdom and support. He was an unfailingly considerate and courteous man and my thoughts are with his wife Angela and family at this very sad time."

"I have known Peter for many years whether as a councillor or as an active member of my party and he never changed in that time. He was always valued, he always added value to our deliberations, and he will be greatly missed by us all.  I know my fellow members of Down District Council wish to join me in sending their condolences to Councillor Craig’s family at this sad time."        

Council Vice Chairman Councillor Liam Johnston also said: "Peter worked tirelessly for his constituents and for the Council on which he served. He was a wise man and many Councillors when they joined Down District Council sought his advice and counsel. We pay tribute to that wisdom and the courteous way he delivered it, which is greatly appreciated by Down District Council.”   

Councillor Peter Craig who passed away on New Years Day.

Also paying his tribute SDLP Party Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell said Mr Craig "epitomised everything that represented the SDLP success story in South Down."

He said: "I am deeply saddened at the death of Peter Craig. Peter is one of the Party's longest serving members and he was at the centre of everything that the party did in South Down.

"Peter epitomised everything that represented the SDLP success story in South Down. He was an excellent councillor and colleague who always worked hard for his community. He worked for many years in building the SDLP in South Down and the party owes many of our electoral successes to his efforts and determination over the years. My prayers and thoughts are with Angela and his family at this sad time."

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the party and the people of Down District have lost "a great man who worked tirelessly for the people he represented."

She added: "I have many fond memories of Peter. He was at Eddie McGrady's side when he first took South Down in 1987 and he was with me when I held the seat. He was always at our side. I also remember that when he was ill in 2007 and was getting out of hospital he insisted on Eddie taking him to the Assembly Election Count, such was his dedication to the party cause.

"Peter was the epitomy of honesty and integrity, he was 'Mr Saul' and saw his parish and his community as one. The work that he did with Saul GAC including the development of the pavilion project cannot be quantified nor can his influence within the SDLP in South Down.

"Peter represented what the SDLP was all about. His desire for social justice and equality and his determination to deliver for people, as well as his commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and reconciliation on this island. He was a very good person and will be sorely missed.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Angela and his family at this time."

Former South Down MP Eddie McGrady paid tribute to his close friend and colleague. 

He said: "Peter was a dear friend and I am deeply saddened at his passing. We have been friends and colleagues for many years and he has been with me through many electoral challenges. Peter's contribution to the party and the community was immense.

"Peter was great friend and counsellor and was more like a brother to me. His wise counsel and advice have been invaluable to me over the years. 

"The major loss in his passing is in his service to the community, not just as a public representative but also an active member and chair of Saul GAC where he helped and advised many young people.

"Peter also gave private advice and guidance to many individuals in the community and helped many people with their problems in a very private way.

"He was a great person who I, his family and the whole community will sorely miss. My deepest sympathies go to Angela and the family."

Down District Council SDLP Group Leader, Councillor Eamonn O'Neil, also expressed his sadness at the loss of Peter Craig. He said, "It is with deep regret that I learned of the death of our dear colleague and friend Councillor Peter Craig. Peter was a tremendously hard worker for our community and in particular for its youth.

"Both in the GAA and local government circles he was very well know and his views were always highly regarded. In particular I know of the respect he was shown on the many boards and bodies he served on so faithfully over the years.

"His loss will be severe on all who knew and worked with him. Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Angela, stepson Chris and the whole family circle."